Tips for Writing a Short Story

by Jennifer Stewart

Structure of Your Short StoryBeginning writers are often given this advice on how to structure their short stories:

Put a man up a tree.Throw stones at him.Get him down.

When you come to think of it, this is good advice for any writer. So follow the steps in the plan below to start writing a great short story.

Setting for Your Short StoryBecause you have such a limited number of words to convey your message, you must choose your setting carefully ... there is no room for freeloaders in a short story! Remember to appeal to your readers' five senses to make your settings more real.

Notes - My Setting

Characters in Your Short StoryAround three main characters is all a short story can effectively deal with because too many distract from the plot.

Don't give in to the urge to provide detailed background on your characters ... decide on the characteristics that are important and stick to those.

Notes – My Characters

1. Name____________Important characteristics:

2. Name____________Important characteristics:

3. Name____________Important characteristics:

Short Story Plan – The PlotMake sure your plot works - there must be a beginning, middle, and an end. However, do not spend too much time on the build-up, so that the climax or ending is just one sentence, leaving the reader bothered and bemused but sadly, not bewitched.

The Beginning – Put a man up the tress. Start with a situation - a problem to be resolved for your protagonist . Begin with a first paragraph or lead that will grab the readers and make them curious to know what happens next. Start with some action. Sprinkle the scenery in later.

The Middle – Throw some stones. What obstacles must your character overcome in order to solve the problem? An effective short story covers a very short time span. It may be one single event that is momentous in the life of your main character or the story may take place in a single day or even an hour.

The End – Get the man down from his leafy perch – safely. The final step is to show how you can solve the problem . Don’t signal the ending too soon - try to keep the reader guessing until the last moment.

If you are telling a fast-moving story, then keep your paragraphs and sentences short. It's a trick that sets the pace and adds to the atmosphere you're conveying to the reader.

Notes - My PlotBeginning – the problem

Middle – obstacles that must be overcome

End – how the problem is solved

Short Story DialogueNever underestimate the power of dialogue in conveying character, but it must contribute to the main focus of the story - don't just use it to pad out your characters. Every word you put into the mouth of your characters must contribute to revealing your theme ... if it doesn't, be ruthless and cut it.

Vivid Imagery for Your Short Story – SHOW Don’t Just TellYou need to paint such a vivid picture that the reader can imagine himself or herself to be in the scene.

Notes - Science Connection Summarize your article and tell what connection to the article you are making in your story.

Rough Draft (600-900 words)